Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has urged Nigerians to place greater value on character than virginity when choosing a life partner, saying the foundation of a successful marriage lies in proven integrity, emotional maturity and compatibility.
Speaking in a video that circulated widely on social media on Sunday, Agu said while virginity is a virtue that reflects purity, it should not be mistaken for the qualities required to build a healthy and lasting marriage.
“Keeping your virginity or being a virgin does not automatically make you wife material. Don’t marry a woman simply because she is a virgin. The same thing applies to men,” he said.
The veteran actor explained that although virginity is admirable, it does not guarantee loyalty, good character, emotional intelligence or emotional maturity.
“Virginity signifies purity, not loyalty, good character, emotional intelligence or emotional maturity,” he stated.
Agu also advised women against choosing husbands based solely on physical appearance, wealth, success or virginity, warning that such attributes cannot sustain a marriage in the absence of tested character.
“Don’t marry a man simply because he is a virgin, handsome, wealthy or successful. For the sake of your life, peace, happiness and sanity, choose someone whose character has been tested and proven,” he said.
He encouraged intending couples to take time to know each other, ask the right questions and build their relationships on shared values rather than superficial qualities.
According to him, prospective spouses should seek partners who are kind, respectful, emotionally mature, loving, God-fearing and committed to building healthy relationships.
“If you find a partner who is a virgin and also kind, emotionally mature, respectful, of good character and God-fearing, then you are truly fortunate,” Agu added.
He maintained that character remains the bedrock of every enduring marriage, stressing that every other attribute is secondary.
“Character is the foundation of a lasting marriage. Everything else is secondary,” he said.
